Top 10 Sweden facts

Scandinavian Peninsula. Before the 18th century, it was thought in Sweden that sea levels were falling. On the initiative of Anders Celsius a number of marks were made in rock on different locations along the Swedish coast. In 1765 it was possible to conclude that it was not a lowering of sea levels but an uneven rise of land, later recognized as post-glacial rebound.

From the name of the Swedish Ytterby mine. Ytterby mine, located in the south-east part of the Swedish island and the town Resarö, was a rich source of many rare minerals. 4 chemical elements - yttrium, ytterbium, terbium and erbium - were named after the mine commemorating their origin.

Tove Jansson herself. Tove Jansson (pictured) was not only a writer, but also an illustrator. She created a series of comic books about the Moomins.

Stockholm. Many stations on the Stockholm metro use organic architecture, which leaves the bedrock exposed and unsculptured, appearing to be based on natural cave systems.

Stockholm syndrome is named after the bank robbery in Stockholm in 1973. Several bank employees were held hostage in a bank vault for 6 days and became emotionally attached to their captors and even defended them after they were freed. Stockholm Syndrome does not necessarily require a hostage scenario. Essentially, victims mistake a lack of abuse from their oppressors for an act of kindness.

She sunk just after launching. Vasa was built between 1626-1628 to fight against Poland and Lithuania. She was designed to become the greatest vessel of Swedish fleet. Richly decorated and well equipped with cannons was to pay high price for Gustav Adolph ambition. The ship was unstable, and she foundered on her maiden voyage after mere 1,200 yards. The loss was so big, that Swedes believed, it had been caused by Polish sabotage.

Vänern. With a surface area of 5,655 km2, Vänern is also the largest lake in the European Union and the third-largest lake entirely in Europe after Ladoga and Onega in Russia.

Stockholm. In the 12th century, the Malaren Bay, a major trade route into central Sweden, was cut off the Baltic Sea as a result of post-glacial rebound of Scandinavia. The trade ships had to unload the cargo in the bay mouth that became too shallow to sail, which led to foundation of Stockholm at this place. Today, Malaren Lake is 0.7 m above sea level.

Draken Harald Hårfagre is the largest Viking ship built in modern times. It is a ship that combines ocean-crossing sailing capabilities with a warship's use of oars. The longship is 35 metres (115 ft) long with a beam of approximately 8 metres (26 ft) and a displacement of about 95 metric tons. It is equipped with 50 oars.

Saab. In 1944 the war was near end and SAAB (Svenska Aeroplan Aktie Bolaget) realized that the demand for military aircraft will soon drop. A search for new markets resulted in starting a car business.